The improved performance came in the wake of lower allowances for impairment losses on loans, advances, financing and other debts, the lender known as Maybank said.

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The bank, Southeast Asia's fourth-largest lender, said Wednesday that net profit for the April-June period rose to 1.66 billion ringgit ($389.1 million) from MYR1.16 billion. Revenue declined slightly to MYR10.92 billion from MYR10.94 billion a year ago, it said.

Maybank said it expects its financial performance for 2017 to be satisfactory, given the challenging global environment.

The stock ended the morning session 0.3% higher at MYR9.49 before the earnings were released. The local benchmark stock index declined 0.02%.